The First Pie.

Made my traditional pumpkin pie last night for my Thanksgiving contribution (I always make the pies - at least - sometimes I bring the squash casserole too, but we'll have 3 cooks this year, so the work will be divided!). Everyone loves my pumpkin pie, which I think is hilarious... I simply use the recipe on the back of the Libby's pumpkin can. No edits, additions, I don't even do my own dough. Nope, keep it simple and everyone's happy!



But this year, mom gifted me these dough cutters so that I could make it a little more "Ali-fied" with pretty little leaf shapes. I love them! They are so fun, and if you're like me who can't seem to crimp edges to save my life, well, these will surely do the trick.

Happy pie baking!

The Atlanta State Farmer's Market.

Last weekend Witt and I decided to go to the Atlanta State Farmer's Market to see what it was all about. It's down in Forest Park, which is pretty much just a few exits down from where I live. I can't believe I hadn't realized this sooner; it's rather amazing (and huge — 146 acres big!) . Basically, you just drive your car right up to the outside stalls. The vendors place their produce and goodies on the ledges. You just walk right up and barter with them. Prices are different depending upon the vendor; prices in general are pretty damn good. Most importantly, the produce is gorgeous and fresh.






We brought some corn and peaches home. It will be interesting to go back in a few months and see what's in season for Fall.

The Best Philly Cheese Steak Competition.

There was an episode on Food Network - don't remember which show - that had gone to downtown Philadelphia to sample the two cheese steak places that duke it out everyday for the title of Best Philly. It's quite the competition. Folks are really passionate about who has the better sandwich — Pat's or Geno's. And, they are literally located across the street from each other!

Well, I happened to be in Philly for work last week and since we had just a shade of free time we decided to do the same little taste-test for lunch.

We started out at Pat's. Here's the view from the table. Note the sign that discusses the invention of the philly and it's place in history!



I found out quickly that there is a particular way to order your philly: wit or witout. Simply put, do you want onions or not?



I chose wit.



Oh, and some cheesefries, of course! I would never pass those up. You can also get that cheese sauce ON your philly (instead of american or provolone). Actually, it was really quite good that way.



Here we are making our way across the street to Geno's. It's quite flashy. And because of that, a lot of folks don't like it. They prefer substance.




Geno's has a way with customers. Read below.



Lisa preferred Pat's fries, as did I.



However, Geno's had much better bread. And to me, bread makes or breaks a philly. If I could have it my way, I'd grab a loaf from Geno's and bring it over to Pat's. (Pat's fillings were much better, and you got much more of 'em.)

Witout Pat or Geno seeing me sneak it over there, of course... that would be trouble!

Pizza, Pizza.

Had my dear friend Dawn, over this evening for some chit-chatting. This is a different Dawn — not Dgirl — we met first in college at UF and found each other again in Atlanta just a few years ago. I didn't realize she had moved back (from LA)... but one day, when I was aimlessly wandering around the shoe department at Nordstrom's (sigh, I'm a terrible shoe-shopper and cannot to this day figure out how to match them correctly with my clothing), I heard a familiar voice. I looked up, and there was Dawn, trying on a fabulous pair of shiny, navy, oh-so-tall stilettos. Yup, I knew it was her. The pairing of the voice and the shoes could not be mistaken for anyone else. I couldn't help but yell out, "Girrrrrrrl"... and she yelled right back at me with a massive, I can't believe it grin on her face. It had been 10 years since we'd seen each other. And I had missed her.

So, tonight was great because we got to get our chat on and it had been awhile. I didn't feel like ordering in the same pizza we always do, so instead I decided to make my own. Dang, I wish I had been doing this all along, it is so easy. Just get frozen dough, some of your favorite tomato sauce and whatever toppings float your boat. Roll out the dough (don't forget to flour the surface), place it on an oiled cookie sheet (use vegetable oil), put down your toppings and cheese then bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. We chose cherry tomatoes, sliced purple onion and ground chuck (just "sprinkle" on about 1/4 a pound, it cooks right on top). Got the recipe from the latest Martha Stewart Everyday Food Magazine (which is the only thing I seem to be cooking from these days — it is wonderful). Easy as pie, cheaper than take out and tastier too!

And ya know what, I may just have another food post for you tomorrow. Look at me go, I'm practically eating myself out of house and home. Gotta love that.

Candied Lemon-Lime Bar Heaven.

Made these for my BBQ this past weekend... they were a huge hit! I don't know why, but I was craving lemon squares and couldn't find my grandmother's recipe... so I bought the latest BH&G and made the ones that were on the cover. They are much thicker than what I remembered hers to be – and more rich lemony and buttery tasting — so they really eat more like pie! I will definitely be making these again. I think they'd be great for a Spring bridal or baby shower. Oh, and if I can make 'em on the first try, you'll do just fine.
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2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
4 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel, divided
6 eggs
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. finely shredded lime peel
2 Tbsp. sifted powdered sugar

1. Prepare Candied Citrus Slices. In large skillet combine 1/4 cup water and 3/4 cup sugar; bring to boiling. Add 2 lemons or 10 key limes, thinly sliced. Simmer gently, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes or until just softened. Transfer to rack; cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with heavy foil; set aside.
3. For crust, in large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Beat in 2 cups of the flour until crumbly. Stir in 2 teaspoons of the lemon peel. Evenly press on bottom of prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, for filling, in medium bowl combine eggs, granulated sugar, remaining 1/2 cup flour, lemon juice, baking powder, and nutmeg. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in remaining lemon peel and the lime peel. Pour over hot crust. Bake 20 minutes more or until edges are browned and center appears set. Remove to rack; cool 1 hour. Refrigerate, covered, 2 hours.
5. To serve, sprinkle evenly with powered sugar (sift over top). Lift from pan using foil; cut into bars (yields approx 16-20). Add Candied Citrus Slices. Store, covered, in fridge up to 3 days.

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Family traditions.

Just got back from a wonderful trip to visit with the fam in sunny Florida. It was a different kind of Easter because I got to share it with Witt's family too. Funny thing is we've lived just 40 minutes away from each other practically all our lives! So it was nice to finally see where he spent his childhood, look at old photos, and share in each other's family traditions.

I learned that Witt's family has a tradition of the Big Easter Egg Hunt, where his Dad & Mom strategically fill 50+ plastic eggs with clues & treats, all around the backyard. It's a riot. (And hard to win, I sadly came in last place). We had to work as a team to piece the clues found inside the eggs together to then find our Easter baskets. And there were so many! And gifts too! Here's a sampling of my winnings:



And Mom & Dad gave me an Easter basket filled with my favorite: Cadbury Eggs! She also gave me the most fabulous book, filled with wonderful projects to begin...



All the stuff is like what you would find at Anthropologie (but better) - tshirts restitched with loose strings and haphazard edging, vintage looking and soft.

The day before Easter we went to a wonderful antique "store" - much like our long lost Lakewood - Renniger's. Tons of items to peruse and pick over. We had gone antiquing in Mt. Dora the day before, so we were kind of antiqued-out. I know, can that really be? I think our eyes were just tired from concentrating on finding from that day, and boy, we had a really good finds... from vintage Hazel bowls and cups to a Russel Wright pitcher we got for $15! I kid you not. A very good find indeed. I did, however, purchase an amazing orchid for $10, since mine hasn't bloomed this year.




Oh, and I almost forgot! Ellie got an Easter gift too. Doesn't she look smart!



And there were even more gifts... K & D had a great time on their honeymoon in Costa Rica, and they brought me back the most beautiful piece of art (thank you!!!). You're supposed to use it as a dish, but I have it on my coffee table for display. It's just so delicate and lovely - an exquisite handmade piece of wood with little bits of dried leaves glued on top.




And, there's one more gift to share. I can finally make all those recipes from my Food cookbooks I've been dog-earring for who nows how long! I'm thrilled. And a little confused as to why the Easter bunny thought I was such a good kid to give me such a wonderful present! So unexpected.



But, back to traditions for just a sec...

"Happy Spring. Happy new beginnings."

That's mom's tradition - she writes it every year in my card to remind me that that is what Spring is all about. It always makes me think of Spring as a time where I can start anew, close the chapter on the year prior, clean out those cobwebs, and live my life the way I've been intending to. I think that's why the New Year has never been an important holiday for me... I really think of Easter and Spring as the true new year — brimming with possibilities, life, and (re)birth.